The Pokémon Daycare
A young man with purple hair smiled as he gazed at a photograph of a boy holding a championship trophy.
"You've seen that thing how many times now, big bro? Still not tired of looking at it?"
A voice called out from behind him.
Reggie turned his head and saw Paul, wearing an apron. Reggie smiled fondly and said,
"Of course not. This is something I couldn't achieve even after years of traveling—the honor belongs to you, Paul. Naturally, I want to admire it a little longer."
"…It's just a past honor. Proof of what once was. We need to keep our eyes forward."
Paul removed his apron and set it aside, his expression was flat.
"Forward, huh? Does that mean you've already decided on your next journey?"
Reggie's tone was teasing, but his eyes were curious.
"Yeah. I heard the Rotom Phone's capabilities have been upgraded again. With a certain database update, you can now remotely switch out Pokémon directly through your phone. I plan on updating mine."
Paul had clearly been thinking about this for a while.
After all, this wasn't a game—Pokémon couldn't just be stored inside a phone or PC. The ability to transmit Pokémon through a Rotom Phone, so as long as you had a signal and could make a call, was nothing short of futuristic tech.
What made it even more groundbreaking was the Arceus Phone's unique functionality. As long as he remained in the same world, Paul could receive a signal anywhere, no matter how remote the location.
With this feature, switching Pokémon mid-journey would become significantly easier. He wouldn't even need to visit a Pokémon Center to find a comm station or teleportation terminal. Everything could be handled with a single phone.
"Sounds pretty handy. But the update's still a hassle, right? Only a few Professors can install it. You planning to go to Professor Rowan?"
"No. I'm heading to Pallet Town to see Professor Oak. I hear there are a lot of interesting Trainers there I want to challenge."
Paul turned toward the window as he spoke.
"When are you leaving? I'll take you there."
Reggie offered help without hesitation.
"No need. Things at the daycare are crazy right now—I'll head out on my own later."
Paul appreciated his brother's concern, but getting a ride was unnecessary.
Even though only a few days had passed since the League Conference wrapped up, the daycare's workload had increased four or five times over.
Their daycare had already been the top facility in Veilstone City, known for its top-tier resources and expert breeders.
Since then, its reputation had grown even further—thanks to the development of a pressure-point-based breeding method and official collaboration with the League, their scope of business had expanded massively.
Then came the wave of new Hisuian Pokémon, followed by the discovery of Wyrdeer's evolution method… each event further fueled the daycare's popularity.
But the biggest draw?
The daycare was run by an elite Breeder—and his younger brother was none other than Paul, the Champion who had defeated six Legendary Pokémon to claim the title.
Six Legendary Pokémon. Most people never even see one in their entire lives, let alone defeat them.
A daycare owned by someone who could take down six Legendary Pokémon? You don't even have to think about it—it's obviously the best place around.
And so… Paul's family daycare ended up absorbing the resources of every other daycare in Veilstone City. Even with their monopoly, they were barely able to keep up with demand. Appointments for Pokémon breeding were now booked months in advance.
"In that case, I guess I'll leave it to you…"
Reggie sighed, already getting a headache just thinking about the mountain of work ahead.
His life had always revolved around three goals—
First, a personal dream: to become one of the world's top breeders.
Second, a promise to their late parents: to elevate their family daycare's name across all of Sinnoh.
And third, for Paul: to help raise his Pokémon and witness him reach his dream of becoming a truly powerful Trainer.
He hadn't expected Paul's journey to take off so fast—and yet here they are, the second goal already within reach.
"We'll keep moving forward—together, big bro."
Paul clapped a hand on Reggie's shoulder, then turned to step outside and check on his Pokémon.
"Wait, there's a letter for you. It's… kind of special."
Reggie suddenly called out Paul, handing over a sealed envelope from the table. The envelope bore the distinct symbol of the Pokémon League: a Poké Ball encircled by golden laurel leaves.
Paul raised an eyebrow. "From the League?"
"Yeah. Not sure what's inside, but I think it's important."
Opening the envelope, Paul silently scanned the contents. After a moment, his gaze sharpened.
"Well?" Reggie asked, trying not to sound too curious.
"…It's an invitation." Paul replied, folding the letter neatly. "From the newly formed Champion's League."
"The Champion's League?" Reggie repeated, blinking. "You mean, where only regional Champions can participate?"
Paul gave a small nod. "According to the letter, it's a new cross-regional league—created to push elite trainers beyond their limits. Only those who have claimed a League title or defeated multiple Legendary-class opponents are eligible."
Reggie whistled. "Sounds like a gathering of monsters."
Paul didn't respond, but his fingers subconsciously curled around the folded letter, gripping it tighter.
"The first exhibition match is being hosted in Galar." He continued after a beat. "In Wyndon Stadium. They want me to represent Sinnoh."
Reggie was quiet for a moment, then grinned.
"Well, of course they do. You've earned it—defeating six Legendary Pokémon in one tournament? The League would be fool to leave you out."
"…It's just another battlefield." Paul said, though a faint gleam had crept into his eyes. "But a different kind of battlefield… One that gathers the strongest from every corner of the world."
"Looks like your journey's far from over." Reggie chuckled. "And I'll hold down the fort here. You just go out there and show them what Sinnoh's Champion is made of."
Paul turned toward the door once more. "I'll visit Professor Oak before heading to Galar. I need to reconfigure my battle listing."
Reggie raised an eyebrow. "Thinking of bringing back some of your old partners?"
Paul paused, then gave a rare, fine smile.
"Yeah. It's time they'll join me on the front lines again."
As he stepped outside, the morning sun bathed his figure in gold. The weight of his victories, the countless battles, and the name "Champion" engraved into history—none of it slowed his pace.
Because for Paul, this wasn't the end.
It was only the beginning of a new journey.
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